New 'FLiRT' COVID Variants Emerge as Dominant in U.S., CDC Reports

May 10, 2024, 11:15 AM

A new group of COVID-19 variants, collectively nicknamed 'FLiRT', has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States, now accounting for a significant portion of cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified these variants, which belong to the Omicron family. One specific variant, KP.2, constitutes about 25% of current cases. These variants, first detected in wastewater surveillance, have notable changes in the spike protein that may enhance their ability to spread and evade existing immunity. Health experts are concerned about the potential for a summer surge in infections due to these variants.